Winter Car Care part III

Just walked outside and felt the "pelting" rain. Ah the mixture of liquid H2O and solid H2O makes the drive home from work ever so much better! uuugghhh! But don't you worry - Tony "the car guy" is here to prepare you for those ever so slushy days.

Monday we talked about the all important battery and yesterday we spoke of the SURVIVOR gear for your vehicle. If you missed those - please go back and read them - it is very important information that you should know to survive this winter.

Today we are going to talk about the checklist! He's making a list - checking it twice,,,gonna find out if your naughty or nice...... Most people like having the checklist to know how and when to maintain things - important things - especially your vehicle. So let's discuss the checklist and make sure you write it down or print this out and follow though with it. It could save your life someday.

Car Care Checklist:
1. BATTERY - I can not emphasize enough (just look at Monday's blog) that your battery has to be maintain. The battery is the heart of your car - if your battery is dead; you will not go anywhere. You need to make sure the terminals are tight and clean. If lights seem dim or vehicle starts are sluggish, have the electrical system, including the battery, checked by a certified technician. Here at West Loop Auto, we have many certified technicians at your disposal. Give us a call (312) 738-1975/ (866) 738-1975 and schedule an appointment.
2. RADIATOR - you should have your coolant strength checked with a hydrometer. That is a 5 min procedure. Recommended protection level is -36 degrees. Never check it hot. We can check that for you - give us a buzz.
3. BELTS/HOSES - Check your belts for cracks or fraying. Check hoses for leaks, bulges or cracks. Make sure clamps are secure!
4. WINDSHIELD WASHER/WIPERS - Make sure your windshield washer reservoir is filled with proper washer solvent. Here in Chicago you have to have a solvent that can handle cold temperatures. Read the label on the solvent bottle and make sure it says the solvent can handle -20 degree temperatures. Check wiper blades for cracking and fraying and replace as needed.
5. FLUIDS - Check oil, brake, transmission, radiator coolant and power steering fluid levels. Make sure you follow the owner's manual directions.
6. AIR FILTER - Hold air filter up to a light. If you can't see through it, replace it!!
7. TIRES - Inspect wear. Check pressure with a gauge when tires are cold. Refer to owner's manual for recommended air pressure and tread depth specifications. Here is the old Lincoln head penny trick. *** Place a penny (upside down IE head first) into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Lincoln's head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32" of tread depth remaining.*** Once the head is not covered - your tires need to be replaced. The law states that if your tires are less than 2/32" of tread - you must replace them.
8. LIGHTS AND SIGNALS - Activate to make sure all work. Using a friend - press your brakes and make sure your brake lights work.

These 8 items should be check at every 3-6 months. Again following thru with this checklist may save your life one day. If you are concerned that you can not check any of these listed please call West Loop Auto Body at (312) 738-1975/ (866) 738-1975 and schedule an appointment. It is much better to be SAFE than sorry.

Tomorrow we are going to talk about Winter Driving Tips. It is very important to know how your vehicle handles in the winter and how you have to adjust your "normal" driving techniques.

Until we collide again!!!
Tony "the car guy" Morice
General Manager
West Loop Auto Body